Where to Shop in Brighton & Hove
At ESV Removals Ltd, we understand the importance of furnishing your home or office with unique and affordable pieces. If you're buying secondhand furniture in Brighton and beyond, we're here to help. Our Brighton removals service is trusted by many commercial and domestic clients who are buying or selling furniture, and we've compiled this guide to help you navigate the best places to find secondhand furniture and arrange for smooth deliveries.
Call 07552 555 820 or book at eastsussexvan.com and we’ll collect from shops, auctions or private sellers, protect it in transit and deliver safely to your Brighton home.
Why Buy Secondhand Furniture in Brighton?
It's eco friendly, purchasing secondhand furniture contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle. It's unique and affordable, secondhand furniture offers a chance to find distinctive pieces at a fraction of the price of new furniture.
Around 42% of the UK’s bulky waste is furniture-about 670,000 tonnes a year. Of that, 20% is reusable as-is and a further 25% is reusable with minor repair.
With Brighton's eclectic style and vintage charm the shops and stalls make it a great place for secondhand furniture shopping.
How Secondhand Furniture Fits In With ESV's Eco Pledge
Top Locations for Secondhand Furniture in Brighton and Nearby:
Brighton Lanes
Brighton Lanes is a must visit area for secondhand furniture enthusiasts. With its charming alleyways filled with independent stores, it's the perfect place to find vintage and retro furniture in Brighton. You'll come across a variety of styles, from mid-century modern pieces to shabby chic treasures all whilst supporting local businesses.
Local Pro Tip: The Lanes
The Lanes are tight, busy, and not designed for big carry distances. Once you have bought your piece, ask the seller if it can be brought to a doorway or agreed pickup point, then message us the shop name and the easiest place to load from. We will blanket wrap and strap it properly so it arrives in Brighton or Hove without scuffs from narrow entrances.
Gorringes Lewes
If you're willing to venture out of Brighton, Lewes is a hub of antique shops, auction houses and flea markets. Gorringes auctionhouse in Lewes often stocks a range of antique and secondhand furniture. It's a great spot to find solid wood furniture, classic art deco pieces, vintage sofas and more. Lewes' proximity to Brighton makes it an easy day trip for any furniture hunter.
Local Pro Tip: Gorringes Lewes
With auctions, the smoothest collection happens when you plan the pickup window as soon as payment clears. Send us the lot number, collection address, and a quick photo from the listing so we can bring the right protection and plan the safest lift. We collect from Gorringes regularly and can get antiques, solid wood pieces, and awkward shapes back to Brighton with calm handling.
Three Angels Hove
Neighbouring Brighton, Three Angels in Hove is a favourite for those looking for a variety of pre-loved furniture. From sofas and chairs to tables and storage solutions, you'll find one off high quality items perfect for any new space or project. This is one of the best spots we've frequented in Sussex for some truly phenomenal one of a kind pieces be it 200 year old Vietnamese vases or a trendy sideboard for the bedroom.
Local Pro Tip: Three Angels Hove
If you are buying in Hove, think about access before you fall in love with the piece. Ask if it comes apart, measure it, and check whether your building has tight stairs or shared hallways. If you are happy to give us a hand with light items, our Brighton man and van option keeps the delivery simple and cost effective for short trips across the city.
West London
If you're up for venturing further afield West London is known for it's vibrant market scene and diverse collection of secondhand furniture stores. From antique furniture in Portabello to The Old Cinema, it is the perfect place to find something unique. The area is a treasure trove of style, offering everything from Bohemian to modern designs.
Local Pro Tip: East London
For East London pickups, confirm the exact address, floor level, and whether the seller can help at the collection end before you commit. Send us the item dimensions and any photos of staircases or entrances so we can plan the safest carry and protect corners properly. We can collect and deliver nationwide, whether it is one statement piece or a full load coming back to Brighton.
Tips for Buying Secondhand Furniture in Brighton
Inspect Before You Buy
Always check the quality of the item. Look for sturdy joints, upholstery, and woodwork to ensure durability. Whilst some level of wear and tear is good, too much and your item won't last the summer, let alone years in your home!
Measure Your Space
Make sure the furniture fits in your home by taking measurements with you to the shop. We can work furniture into some pretty small spaces, but we can't beat physics so make sure your items fit through the door!
Negotiate
Don’t hesitate to negotiate the price, especially if you’re buying multiple items. Half the fun of going to flea markets, antique shops and vintage shops is haggling so get stuck in and get yourself those great deals.
Delivery Options
Arrange a professional Brighton homemove or man and van service to transport your purchases.
Not ready to move it in yet? Pair your purchase with same-day storage through our partner Big Yellow Storage Brighton, book your move with us and we’ll handle pickup, bay suspensions and placement into your unit.
Key Terms For Secondhand Furniture
Tight Point Measurements
Measuring the pinch points that actually stop furniture in Brighton flats, door width, hallway turns, stairwell corners, and the final landing turn, rather than just measuring the room.
Listing Link Access Check
Sending the Marketplace or Gumtree link plus a quick photo of your entrance or stairs so we can sanity check whether the item will go as one piece or needs dismantling before you buy.
Seller Parking Confirmation
Confirming with the seller where we can legally stop for loading, because the pickup can fail even if the item fits if there is nowhere sensible to park.
Dismantle Or Feet Off Question
The two secondhand purchase questions that prevent most stuck items in Brighton, will it come apart, and can the feet come off, especially for sofas and wardrobes.
Brighton Stairwell Turning Angle
The awkward angle at the half landing or top landing in period properties where sofas, wardrobes and headboards usually jam if they are not rotated correctly.
Lift Versus Stairs Reality Check
The practical difference between a flat with a lift you can book and a flat with multiple stair flights, which changes time, team size and how you should plan a collection window.
Soft Furnishing Hygiene Inspection
Checking seams, undersides and storage history for sofas, mattresses and upholstered pieces to reduce the risk of bed bugs, mould or lingering smoke smells.
Heavy Appliance Readiness
Making sure a washing machine or fridge freezer is disconnected, drained and clear to move before collection, so you are not stuck at the door with water, hoses or loose drawers.
Short Pickup Window Discipline
The plan for tight seller time slots, item accessible at the door, clear access, correct floor info, and a legal stopping point, so the collection does not turn into a rushed mess.
Two End Access Notes
Recording pickup and delivery access at both ends, floor level, stairs or lift, and stair turn photos, because the hardest part of secondhand furniture is often the last 10 metres into the flat.
Frequently Asked Questions For Purchasing Brighton Secondhand Furniture
How do i choose secondhand furniture in Brighton that will actually fit my flat?
Before you buy, measure the tight points, not just the room. In Brighton flats the usual pinch points are the front door width, hallway turns, stairwell corners, and the final turn onto the landing. Ask the seller for the widest dimensions and if it is a sofa include arm height, depth, and whether the feet come off. If you send us the listing link plus a quick photo of your stairs or entrance, we can usually tell you if it should go as one piece or needs dismantling.
Can you collect from Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree sellers in Brighton and Hove?
Yes. We do Marketplace and Gumtree collections across Brighton and Hove every week, including sofas, wardrobes, beds, tables, washing machines and fridge freezers. The key is confirming where we can legally stop, whether the seller can give clear access, and whether the item is already dismantled.
What should i ask the seller before i pay or set off?
Ask two practical questions first: can we stop nearby for loading, and will the item come apart. In Brighton and Hove stairwells, removing sofa feet or dismantling a wardrobe can be the difference between a smooth carry and a stuck item. Also ask what floor it is on, whether there is a lift, and whether the item is ready at the door at the agreed time.
Do you help move large items through Brighton's narrow hallways and stairwells?
Yes, that is normal work for us. Brighton period properties often have tight angles and narrow landings, so we protect the route, control the turns, and keep the carry steady rather than forcing items through. If something looks borderline, we will recommend the safest option before anything gets damaged.
Is a sprinter or a luton van better for secondhand furniture collections in Brighton?
For most single item pickups and small loads, our MWB Mercedes Sprinter is ideal because it can get into tighter loading gaps in areas like North Laine, Hanover, Kemptown, Seven Dials and central Hove. If you are collecting multiple bulky items or furnishing a whole flat in one go, a Luton van can reduce trips and keep handling to a minimum. We will recommend the right setup based on access and volume.
Can you dismantle and reassemble secondhand furniture i buy?
Yes. We can dismantle and reassemble many items such as beds, wardrobes and larger tables, which is often essential for Brighton flats with tight turns. If the piece is unusual or needs specialist tools, send a photo of the fixings or the assembly type so we can plan the right kit and time.
How do i avoid bed bugs or hygiene issues when buying used furniture?
Be cautious with soft furnishings like sofas, mattresses and upholstered headboards. Ask about pets, smoking, storage conditions and how long it has been stored, then inspect seams, buttons and undersides in good light. If it smells musty, has dark spotting, or looks recently treated, it is usually safer to walk away. Solid wood and hard furniture is generally lower risk and easier to clean.
What if the seller only gives a short pickup window?
We can often work with short windows if we have clear details up front. Send the pickup postcode, a realistic time slot, floor level, and parking notes, then make sure the seller is ready with doors open and the item accessible. Tight timing is much easier when there is a legal stopping point and no last second dismantling surprises.
What if the item is heavy like a washing machine or fridge freezer?
We can move heavy appliances safely, but planning matters. Confirm the appliance is disconnected, drained and ready to move before we arrive. If it is coming from an upstairs flat, tell us about stairs, turns and handrail pinch points, because heavy items in tight stairwells can need extra hands to keep everything controlled.
Do i need to arrange parking or loading space for a secondhand collection in Brighton?
Not always, but it helps a lot in permit zones and busier streets. If you can keep the loading point close to the entrance, the carry is shorter which reduces risk and saves time. If parking is likely to be difficult, tell us early and we will advise the simplest plan for your street.
Are my items insured during a secondhand furniture collection?
Yes. Your delivery is covered with goods in transit insurance up to £20,000 and we carry public liability cover of £5 million. If you have any single item of high value, tell us before the collection so it can be recorded and handled with the right care.
Where do you cover for secondhand furniture collections outside Brighton?
We cover Brighton and Hove as standard, plus Portslade, Southwick, Shoreham by Sea, Rottingdean, Saltdean, Peacehaven, Lewes and wider Sussex. If you are buying from further afield, send both postcodes and we will suggest the best timing and vehicle option for a smooth collection.
How do i book a secondhand furniture collection with ESV Removals?
Send the item link or a screenshot, the pickup and delivery postcodes, and any access notes like floor level, stairs or lift, and parking restrictions. If you can, add a couple of photos of entrances or stair turns at both ends. Call Peter on 07552 555 820 or request a quote via eastsussexvan.com, and for Marketplace pickup tips and behind the scenes moves, follow us on Instagram.
Why Choose ESV Removals Ltd for Your Brighton Furniture Delivery?
At ESV Removals Ltd, we specialise in moving furniture of all shapes and sizes. Whether you're buying secondhand furniture from the Brighton Lanes or sourcing something unique from West London, our Brighton removals service ensures your new furniture arrives safely and on time. We’re fully insured and handle all types of furniture with care, including delicate and bulky pieces.
About the author...
Peter Hawes is the director of ESV Removals Ltd, a family run Brighton and Sussex removals team known for calm planning, careful handling and clear prices. He holds a 2:1 BA (Hons) in English Literature and Digital Media from the University of Brighton. Peter oversees every move from first message to the last box and brings local know how for permit zones, tight stairwells and seafront buildings. ESV is fully insured with £20,000 Goods in Transit and £5 million Public Liability, backed by hundreds of five star Google reviews. The company follows an eco pledge that prioritises Esso Ethos fuel where available, reuses boxes and runs paperless bookings. Learn more at www.eastsussexvan.com
